Sympathetic Parliamentarians Support Bobi Wine, this Time in Kenya

Bobi Wine, a victim of violent political repression in Uganda, has an earned reputation that predates his arrest and torture by the Ugandan security forces. Though his popularity has roots in his musical past, the Ugandan MP is a symbol of youth politics and champion of democracy both at home and abroad.

Lawmakers Jared Okelo (Nyando), Babu Owino (Embakasi East) and Gideon Keter (nominated) of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association said they will first stage a protest against the arrest and torture of Mr Wine at the Ugandan Embassy in Kenya before escalating it to the neighbouring country.

While addressing the press on Wednesday at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, the lawmakers said they will speak out against abuse of human rights being meted out on the youthful Ugandan legislator following his arbitrary arrest.

“An injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere, we will not keep quiet while one of us is being subjected to inhuman treatment just across the border,” Mr Okelo said.

PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS

“Our number one mandate as young MPs is to is to protect human rights. We are giving the Ugandan authority one week to unconditionally release Bobi Wine or else we will lead a delegation to Uganda and hold a mother of all protests on the streets of Kampala,” he added.

Mr Owino, who is also the secretary-general of the association, said the continual detention of the young MP is an infringement on freedom of expression and association.

The MP said the Ugandan Embassy in the country should be closed until Mr Wine is released.

“I have been arrested before and tortured, I don’t fear being arrested while demonstrating in Uganda,” Mr Babu added.

He said they have been in constant communication with their colleagues in Uganda and the family of Mr Wine over his condition while in custody.

Mr Keter said an injustice being meted on Mr Wine is an injustice to the youth of Africa and they will not condone it.

“We know what it takes to be an MP and therefore stand by Bobi Wine,” Mr Keter said.

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About Us

This website was established to provide information to the public regarding the unlawful political persecution of Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) by the Government of Uganda. The site is maintained by his global legal defence team at Amsterdam & Partners LLP.